Halstead Boxing Club had two fighters travelling to Basildon for the Berry Boys Open Show and while there was surprise at a defeat for top junior Zak Lawson, James Blore enjoyed a unanimous points decision win.

Lawson was matched against Zak Baxter of Chadwell ABC.

The Halstead boxer used quick footwork to move around the ring as both were cautious of each other at the start, but once they settled, both managed to hit top gear, landing two-handed attacks and eye-catching rear hand leads.

Lawson settled down more in the second round and landed good double jabs while holding the centre of the ring.

Baxter then moved forward trying to close Lawson down but with only seconds remaining, Baxter was caught flush on the jaw with a quality right hand as the bell sounded the end of the round.

The final round saw a relaxed Lawson cause Baxter endless trouble with his flexible style. However, Baxter showed plenty of heart and gave a clever display of controlled aggression with both boxers standing toe to toe and exchanging a blaze of telling blows.

Baxter was surprisingly awarded the win by a majority split decision, but Lawson could still be proud of his performance.

Halstead senior welterweight, James Blore, was on next and he faced Berry’s Luke Brickwood.

His opponent was a more experienced boxer with a record of 18 bouts to Blore’s seven. This proved to be a thrilling and hard-hitting contest with both men looking for the finisher to end round one.

Blore managed to remain cool in the second round and showed off dazzling ring craft to pile on the pressue with natural stength against his more experienced opponent.

Brickwood showed plenty of determination in the final round as he took a strong pounding.

Blore managed to blast the head and body of Birkwood with heavy punches but the latter never looked like being stopped.

Blore is an extemely tough boxer and proved again to be a strong battler as he went on to win by a unanimous points decision.